Microwave-assisted Wurtz coupling of methylphenyldichlorosilane in solvent-free conditions

Abstract

This communication describes the synthesis of polymethylphenylsilane by the microwave-assisted coupling of methylphenyldichlorosilane using metallic sodium in solvent free conditions. The instant heating melts the sodium particles within the liquid methylphenyldichlorosilane and the polymerization reaction is achieved in minutes with total consumption of the monomer. The process is carried out in a high performance microwave reactor using the closed vessel operating facility which ensures control of the reaction parameters and highly reproducible results.